Mal gets it as Fifita joins rush to swap
MAL Meninga has supported Andrew Fifita’s decision to follow “his heart” by choosing Tonga over Australia, but concedes it could ultimately close the door on Fifita ever returning for the Kangaroos.
Meninga in no way appeared upset or angry that the controversial Cronulla prop had decided to backflip on Australia after following the lead set by Jason Taumalolo who chose Tonga over New Zealand.
Meninga instead said it had opened up an opportunity for young Penrith powerhouse Reagan Campbell-Gillard to debut for the green and gold, and stake a claim to own the jumper long-term.
“We had a conversation this morning and I fully understood his decision,” Meninga said of Fifita.
“I’m comfortable with it. You have to go where your heart is. Obviously, the Tongan boys have made a bit of a pact.
“They want to get together and do well in this competition. All in all, I think it is a positive for the Rugby League World Cup.
“And, for me, it is a positive because Andrew is following his heart but it gives a young guy who is in the form of his life, Campbell-Gillard, an opportunity to play in the green and gold jersey.”
Asked if it would impact Fifita coming back to play for Australia in the future, Meninga responded: “It is World Cup year, so it is unique. It only happens once every five years.
“Him playing for Tonga won’t affect his selection in the Kangaroos.
“It is whether he has given someone else an opportunity and he might not get an opportunity back because it has given Reagan Campbell-Gillard an opportunity.”
Fifita was chosen for Tonga in May but decided to play for Australia.
While Taumalolo made his decision a day before the Kiwis named their squad, Fifita’s call came three days after the Kangaroo players were told of their selection on Monday.
Taumalolo’s decision still copped an angry reaction from Benji Marshall, who yesterday labelled it “disrespectful” to the Kiwis jersey.
But Meninga reasoned it was up to every player to “follow your heart”.
“If Jason Taumalolo didn’t have his heart in the black and white jersey he probably would do the jersey an injustice and be disrespectful to it because he wouldn’t have his heart in it,” Meninga said.